Operation SWARN-Rebuilding Swarnamukhi River of Andhra Pradesh

Swarnamukhi River and Nala Awareness, also known as Operation SWARNA (Tirupati Urban Development Authority), is a massive project to replenish and conserve the Swarnamukhi River. This is the first large project on river restoration and anti-encroachment in the state and it is supported by the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister.

Background

Swarnamukhi is a river that flows 130 km east of Pakala to the Bay of Bengal, through Tirupati and Srikalahasti. It facilitates agricultural, ecological and urban water demand, and has cultural and religious significance. Its flow has however been interrupted by encroachments and illegal constructions which have led to flooding, especially in 2021.

Encroachment Issues

Riverbanks, buffer zones, tanks and canals were encroached upon over the years. Fraudulent transfer of land in false survey numbers aggravated the crisis and left families without valid property documents as they were evicted.

Operation SWARNA Plan

• Encroachment Removal: TUDA will spear head a task force with the assistance of the Irrigation, Survey and Revenue departments in clearing illegal constructions.
• Drone Mapping: River surveys will be done through aerial mapping of rivers between Thondavada and Srikalahasti.
• Protected Zone: A buffer will be established along the river of 50 metres on each side and enforced.
• Law: Vigorous action will be taken against land grabbers and corrupt officials who are engaged in fraudulent registration.

Governance and Enforcement

Activities will be managed by a combined committee of TUDA, municipal institutions and government. The task-force will be empowered to enforce just like HYDRAA in Hyderabad. Cases of corruption and victims are encouraged to report.

Tourism and Development

In the project, beautification of the river front around Tiruchanur will be performed and a culvert will be constructed to control the water flow to the Padmavathi Ammavari temple. This is in line with the government initiative to incorporate culture heritage with tourism.

Operation SWARNA will help to achieve not only the ecological health of the river, but to avoid future encroachments, and protect communities, and increase the cultural and tourism attractiveness of Tirupati.